Managing health care needs of the elderly through an elderly care manager: Thailand.

Background : This mixed method research aimed to investigate health needs of older people and the attributes of the Elderly Care Managers (ECMs), and to evaluate the outcomes of two ECMs coordination. Methods : Three phases were: 1) a field survey of the health needs of 94 older persons; 2) group discussions between ten relevant persons involved in ECMs characteristics; 3) two ECMs coordinating with health-related agencies and measuring the outcomes of older people who needed assistance. Results : 63.1% of the participants had difficulties with their health, 12.8% of them had no caregiver, 26.6% of them had >1 health condition. Group talks dealt with the characteristics, role and attributes of ECMs. The two-month of ECMs coordination with health-related agencies according to older adults' needs, and made home visits encouraged the aged to acquire knowledge on their diseases. Conclusion : ECMs's coordination with health-related agencies could support the needs of those of advanced age.